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Cartoon, The Pigs Possessed
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Cartoon, The Pigs Possessed
Cartoon, The Pigs Possessed, or, the Broad-bottomd Litter running headlong into the Sea of Perdition, by James Gillray. Showing John Bull (doubling as Farmer George, ie King George III) ejecting the greedy piglets (politicians of the coalition government known as the Ministry of all the Talents) out of his farm and into the sea. Date: 1807
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Media ID 14230315
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s 1807 Bottom Bottomed Broad Bull Coalition Comment Criticism Ejection Farmer Gillray Greedy Harsh Litter Ministers Ministry Piglets Pigs Pitchfork Politicians Possessed Ridicule Running Satire Satirical Sheridan Talents Ejecting Headlong Perdition
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The Pigs Possessed,
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a satirical print by James Gillray created in 1807, offers a scathing commentary on the political landscape of the time. The cartoon, featuring a doubled role of John Bull as both farmer George III and Farmer George, depicts the king ejecting a litter of greedy piglets, representing the politicians of the Coalition Government known as the Ministry of All the Talents, into the Sea of Perdition. The broad-bottomed piglets, symbolizing the politicians' perceived greed and corruption, are shown running headlong into the water, with one piglet clinging to the king's pitchfork in a desperate attempt to stay afloat in the metaphorical sea of destruction. The title "The Pigs Possessed" further emphasizes the idea of politicians being consumed by their own vices and shortcomings. The cartoon's harsh criticism is directed at the Ministers of the Talents, a coalition government led by the Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The Ministry of All the Talents was formed in 1806 to replace the previous administration, which had been plagued by corruption and ineffectiveness. However, the new government was criticized for being a collection of inexperienced and unprincipled politicians, leading to widespread public discontent. Gillray's satirical print captures the mood of the time, using humor and exaggeration to ridicule the politicians and their perceived failings. The image of John Bull, a symbol of British national identity, ejecting the piglets from his farm represents the growing frustration and disillusionment with the political establishment. The print remains an important historical document, shedding light on the political climate of the early 19th century and the role of satire in shaping public opinion.
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